first "big" snow

it seems like we have gotten a lot of snow this month, but it has been too warm for it to accumulate. finally we got about 4 inches this past week--enough to squeek a couple hours of outdoor play in!

christmas 2009

after church and a Christmas eve dinner out, the boys rushed in the door to run upstairs and look under their pillows to find their "matching jammies." they can never seem to figure out how they get there, but know that they are from mom and dad and love getting them! funny. we had a great evening at home, opened santa gifts the next morning and then headed to grandpa and grandma's house for the day {a favorite gift was the snuggie that each boy got!}! of course we had fabulous food and were content to do lots of relaxing!

Merry Christmas

moritz family christmas

terry's mom & dad headed to indy the weekend before to celebrate Christmas--we loved having them stay with us, were treated to a yummy Christmas dinner, a lot of relaxing, present opening, and breakfast out before they went back to IL. as always, the cousins can't get enough of being together! i loved watching their faces as they opened their presents!! the 3 little guys all got DS's from grammie and papa, soph got a wii fit, gracie was thrilled with lots of gift certificates and luke received a combo b-day/christmas gift of an ipod touch. seems shopping is starting to get simplified as the kids get older--they want more expensive gifts {which also means it is less to buy}

the parties~

the kids are always so anxious for the last day of school before Christmas break. today was no exception! All the excitement, of course, is for the class party. a bit different than when I was a kid--now no outside food is allowed into school--so they each got a slush cup and a bag of snack mix {i guess the kids don't know any different, but it makes me sad to think about what they are missing!} cole's class played a very exciting game of musical chairs!

cole has made LOTS of friends this year, but he has found one best buddy who is just sooo sweet!

the exciting game in first grade was "pass the present." a box wrapped about 12 times --kind of like hot potato, but when the music stops, you want the present so you can unwrap it to see if you get to the surprise inside! grant was the one who got to open the box!luke's class was a bit more tame!!--they had two craft stations that kept them very busy--the hard one was the origami Christmas tree that was amazing when it was finished!

hey santa-

last friday night we took our annual trip to Reynold's to visit Santa.  this year the boys all wanted to sit together on Santa's lap, ah, brotherly love.  cole decided he was going to pull on Santa's beard to make sure he is "the one," but he chickened out!  their faces are just amazing to watch during this magical moment. i love this picture of grant talking to Santa--so serious and satisfied yet filled with excitement.

long lost blogger

it's been a month and a half since I have blogged.  I have pictures and stories to share, but have had no time to share them!  soon, though--my busy season is just about over and I am looking forward to Christmas break to catch up on a few things--like blogging.  until then, i leave you with a photo of a few crazy kids!

luke is 9

it's hard to believe that luke is half-way finished with childhood.  9 more years and he heads off to college--sure hope that the next nine years don't go as fast as the first nine.  something tells me that time is not going to slow down--so for now we just have to enjoy each day we have. luke's birthday was a simple celebration--after church we had lunch with grandpa, grandma and uncle brett. we had subway!  funny.  that is what luke requested--that sure made it easy on mom!  after opening presents the boys enjoyed unlimited wii play with luke's new games. then, off to his friend's  birthday party for the evening.

God has blessed luke in so many ways--he is a great big brother, responsible and helpful. he is healthy and happy and loves to be with others. he is a great gift to our family.  we love you, luke!